Cathine

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Cathine (β-hydroxyamphetamine) is a monoamine alkaloid found in the shrub Catha edulis (khat).

Closely related to ephedrine, cathinone and other amphetamines, it may contribute to the stimulant effect of Catha edulis, although another constituent, cathinone appears to show stronger activity. Cathine is one of the optical isomers of phenylpropanolamine, an appetite suppressant and decongestant which is possibly associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke.

The World Anti-Doping Agency‘s list of prohibited substances (used for the Olympic Games among other athletic events) bars cathine in concentrations of over 5 micrograms per milliliter in urine. Cathine is a Schedule III drug under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances.^[1] In the United States, it is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance.

In Hong Kong, Cathine is regulated under Schedule 1 of Hong Kong’s Chapter 134 Dangerous Drugs Ordinance. It can only be used legally by health professionals and for university research purporses. The substance can be given by pharmacists under a prescription. Anyone who supplies the substance without prescription can be fined $10000(HKD). The penalty for trafficking or manufacturing the substance is a $5,000,000 (HKD) fine and life imprisonment. Possession of the substance for consumption without license from the Department of Health is illegal with a $1,000,000 (HKD) fine and/or 7 years of jail time.

• Catha edulis
• Cathinone
• Methcathinone
• Phenylpropanolamine
• Phenethylamines

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